For physicians aiming to practice medicine in Florida, there are several pathways to obtain licensure. These routes accommodate both U.S.-trained graduates and internationally-trained medical professionals.

Here is an overview of the primary options available:
1. Traditional Pathway to a Medical License
This pathway is ideal for U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet certain training and certification criteria. Graduates from U.S. medical schools accredited by the appropriate bodies can qualify with one year of residency training. For IMGs, active certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is required, alongside a minimum of two years of residency or fellowship training in a program approved for board certification by the ABMS. Alternatively, IMGs can bypass the ECFMG requirement if they hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited college, complete one year of ACGME approved clinical trainingin a hospital, and pass Parts I and II of the USMLE. Â

2. Interstate Endorsement
This pathway benefits physicians who are already licensed and practicing in another U.S. state or territory. To qualify, applicants must have an active, unencumbered medical license in the US or a US territory and have passed a national exam, or hold national board certification recognized by the Florida Board of Medicine (this can be outside the US). The candidate must have actively practiced for three of the past four years before applying and must have no disciplinary action against his license in the past five years.Â
3. Medical Faculty Certificate (MFC)
This option is tailored for physicians seeking academic roles. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a medical school accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) and hold a valid license to practice in another country. Additionally, they must have completed at least one year of approved residency or equivalent training and have an offer for a full-time faculty appointment at a Florida medical institution.  They may work only in conjunction with a full time faculty position at an accredited medical school in the State of Florida and its affiliated clinical facilities or teaching hospitals.
4. Area of Critical Need (ACN)
This is a great option for those who have not passed the USMLE, and do not have ACGME-approved residency training.  Applicants must hold a current license in another jurisdiction and have actively practiced medicine for at least three years immediately before applying. It is important to note that under this pathway, the Board of Medicine has the authority to deny the license or can impose conditions on the license if the applicant has not been practicing medicine under an unrestricted medical license (as a house physician, for example). Â
5. Transition from MFC to Full License

The law now provides that physicians holding a Medical Faculty Certificate can transition to a full medical license in Florida after practicing under their faculty appointment for at least three years. This pathway enables physicians initially working in academic roles to expand their practice opportunities in Florida without having to appear before the Board (assuming no other issues exist).
6. Foreign Graduates Exception
This new pathway allows internationally-trained physicians with recent clinical experience to practice in Florida. Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered medical license in another country and have practiced continuously for the past four years. They must have completed postgraduate training comparable to a U.S. residency program, hold active ECFMG certification, and have a full-time employment offer in Florida. This license is contingent on maintaining employment in Florida for two years and notifying the Board of any changes in employment within five days.
7. Board Granted License

Finally, there is a provision in the law that allows the Board to grant a license to any applicant who doesn’t meet all the requirements for licensure, but who the Board feels is otherwise qualified for a license.
The law requires the Board to impose conditions on a license issued under this provision, which can include passing an examination, supervision, or other conditions. The Board does not authorize licenses for such applicants often, and the applicant must demonstrate sufficient training and experience to be granted a license under this exception.
If you apply and do not clearly meet the requirements for licensure as set forth above, if the law requires the Board to determine the equivalency of your training or sufficiency of your experience, or if you have any issues with your application such as malpractice cases, prior disciplinary action, or health issues, you will be required to appear before the Credentials Committee when you application is considered. Â
In these cases, an experienced healthcare attorney can provide invaluable guidance and representation, assessing your eligibility, helping you understand your rights, and advocating for you throughout the process. Â
Don’t face this alone – reach out today to ensure you have a full understanding of the requirements and options available to you, and to maximize the likelihood of approval of your application. Â
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